Magnificent 1939 Brunn Cadillac Body #1 Town Car

1939 Cadillac Other Description

For sale is what was considered to be the best car ever built by Brunn and Company. I say this because I had many conversations with Mr. Brunn in 1966 when I purchased this car in Philadelphia. Mr. Brunn sent me a very descriptive letter describing this car which was commissioned by Joseph Early Widener of Elkins Park Pa. Mr. Widener ordered 2 identicaltown cars, body # 1 was sent to his 80 room mansion in Elkins Park, Lynnewood Hall, body # 2 was shipped to Hialeah where Mr. Widener owned a smaller winter house, 65 rooms, and he owned and operated the Hialeah horse racing track. Mr. Widener was not pleased with the design of cars from the late pre war era and wanted a standout, statement automobile, he got it! The 2nd car was destroyed in the 1950's while still in Florida. Mr. Brunn stated that this particular order was the financial driving force that kept the Brunn Co. in business for the next few years. No expense was spared on this car. The Chauffeur compartment is finished in Italian leather the rear comapartment is the finest English broadcloth.The silver Saint Christopher Medal mounted in the wood work behind the division is from the Hermes store in Paris, the swing out winding clock is Jaeger.While other millionaires were keeping a very low profile due to the still negative effect of the great depression, Mr. Widener was not concerned about being seen in his car. The cost was approximately 27,000.00, a major amount of money in 1939. The restoration of this car was extremely expensive and lengthy. The car is a pleasure to drive. The restoration is not Concours, but very close with aminimal extension of work.

This is a model 75 Cadillac chassis which was shipped to Brunn in Buffalo N.Y. The design was created and approved by Mr. Widener. The body is oak and chestnut, covered in 18 g aluminum. The door handles and main door pillar, along with multiple partsare solid bronze, specifically designed for this car. The vanity on the left of the car contains a cigar lighter and matching holder, theright hand vanity has an Art Deco stand which holds a sterling silver and gold compact, lipstick, and perfumer with pave rubies. The identification plate is located under the right side chauffeur seat mounted on to the seat frame. The radio is located in the floor in the same area and there are speedometer cables which run to the right arm rest controls. The power source is in the trunk area along with the power for the intercom system. There are 2 speedometers, the standard dash, and one in the rear of the car, very interesting. I have had this car for 50 years and to part with this important piece of history is very difficult. It has never been exposed to the public, through shows or publications. I have an extensive amount of photographs from Mr. Brunn of the car being built, some of which I have included in the listing, and also a portfolio of original society photographs of Mr. Widener in Florida. A very detailed letter from Mr. Brunn is also included. This is a once in a life time purchase for the discerning collector. Any information that I have neglected to add will be answered, however I do think that the photos in this case speak for themselves. Thank you for looking, if you wish to contact me please use my E-mail clockman1700@comcast.net